In the following pages I offer more than simple facts, Plain arguments, and common sense…I have heard it asserted [claimed] by some that, as
America has flourished under her former connection with Great Britain,
the same connection is necessary towards her future happiness, and will
always have the same effect. Nothing can be more fallacious (untrue]
than this kind of argument. We may as well assert that, because a child
has thrived upon milk, it is never to have meat, or that the first twenty
years of our lives is to become a precedent [model) for the next
twenty. But even this is admitting more than is true. For I answer
roundly that America would have flourished as much, and probably much
more, had no European power taken any notice of her. The
commerce by which she hath enriched herself are the necessaries of
life, and will always have a market while eating is the
custom of Europe.

During this time many people believe "America has
flourished under her former connection with Great
Britain."

What is Thomas Paine's reaction to this argument
What words does he use to show this feeling?